The Mediterranean diet has long been known as one of the healthiest food choices. Consisting mainly of fruits and leafy vegetables, beans, fish, healthy grains, nuts, small amounts of dairy products, olive oil and red wine, Mediterranean diet proved to be much more likely to lead to lifelong, good health.
Shopping at the green market in Split
Mediterranean region offers a wide variety of ingredients and spices that make ordinary food pop up with flavor. In fact, Mediterranean diet is the perfect combination of taste and nutrition that has made Mediterranean food so popular throughout the world.
To satisfy your quests to live the Mediterranean eating lifestyle, a good amount of your plate should consist of fruits, vegetables, fish or other sea food, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. No processed food. With respect to which types of fruits and vegetables to take, do what most of Croatians do – eat what’s in season. This is done for two reasons. First, eating seasonal food is said to enhance health benefits. Second, it’s going to be cheaper since there’s plenty of it.
Old olive oil press from Island Brac
Olive oil is one of the most important products in the Mediterranean lifestyle. You will get most of the fats your body needs from olive oil. So, feel free to put olive oil on almost everything, in moderate amounts, of course.
Experts say that a Mediterranean diet provides a perfect health framework which is a combination of olive oil and lettuce or leafy vegetables. Namely, when put together lettuce and olive oil form so called nitro fatty acids that have a great effect on lowering blood pressure. The residents of countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea have enjoyed a lower risk of certain cancers, reduced risk of developing heart disease and increased longevity in general.
Other vital elements of the Mediterranean diet are daily exercise, sharing meals with others and fostering a deep appreciation for the pleasures of eating healthy and delicious foods.
For a simple, but extraordinary lunch put fresh fish on grill and add some extra virgin olive oil before serving. Serve with a big bowl of mixed green salad and tomatoes and enjoy a tasty traditional plate in Dalmatia.
Grilled Fish – do it the simple way!
Did we forget to mention most common beverage in Dalmatia? Did you ever hear for bevanda and gemišt? 🙂
You might want to prepare this at home or visit us here in Croatia to learn and taste the real deal!
Dobar Tek!